Plastic coil separator

ABSTRACT

A new and improved plastic coil spacer or separator, for use in connection with the vertical spacing or separation of a plurality of coils upon a pallet structure so as to form a palletized load which will facilitate forklift apparatus to access one or more of the coils, has a substantially square-shaped hollow, tubular cross-sectional configuration. In accordance manufacturing techniques comprising topology optimization, a predetermined amount of material is able to be eliminated from each side wall of the substantially square-shaped hollow, tubular plastic coil separator or spacer so as to effectively reduce the amount of material required to manufacture the plastic coil spacer or separator, while each side wall of the substantially square-shaped hollow, tubular plastic coil spacer or separator has a substantially arch-shaped cross-sectional configuration so as to be capable of preserving the compressive strength and compressive force resistance properties characteristic of the plastic coil spacer or separator.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to coil spacers or separators, and more particularly to a new and improved plastic coil spacer or separator for use in connection with the vertical spacing or separation of a plurality of coils, comprising coiled metal stripping, coiled paper, coil print stock, or the like, upon a pallet structure so as to form a palletized load which will enable or facilitate forklift apparatus to access one or more of the coils, wherein each one of the plastic coil spacers or separators has a substantially square-shaped hollow or tubular cross-sectional configuration, wherein further, in accordance with the new and improved manufacturing or fabrication techniques comprising topology optimization, a predetermined amount of material is able to be eliminated from each side wall of the substantially square-shaped hollow or tubular plastic coil separator or spacer so as to effectively reduce the amount of material required to manufacture or fabricate the plastic coil spacer or separator, and wherein still further, each side wall of the substantially square-shaped hollow or tubular plastic coil spacer or separator has a substantially arch-shaped cross-sectional, configuration so as to be capable of preserving the compressive strength and compressive force resistance properties characteristic of the plastic coil spacer or separator. Alternatively, each one of the plastic coil spacers or separators may be manufactured or fabricated from the same amount of material and extruded so as to have substantially the same square-shaped hollow or tubular configuration wherein the side walls thereof have the substantially arch-shaped cross-sectional configurations whereby the compressive force resistance properties and the compressive strength properties characteristic of the plastic coil spacer or separator may be enhanced. In other words, the plastic coil spacer or separator would always have a positive strength-to-weight yield ratio.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In certain industrial manufacturing facilities, steel or other similarly malleable or deformable materials, paper goods, paper stock, and the like, are commonly utilized in the form of indeterminate length strips, sheets, or the like, so as to manufacture or fabricate specific products. In order to easily transport and store such materials, each one of the strips is generally rolled into a coiled structure along the indeterminate longitudinal length thereof wherein the resulting coils have thickness dimensions which are substantially equal to the width dimensions of the strips, and wherein further, the coils have diametrical dimensions which may comprise several feet. The free end portion of the coiled strip materials are then secured by means of suitable strapping whereby the resulting structures effectively define compact integral individual package units. During shipment and storage of the coiled structures, a plurality of coils are usually arranged within a vertical stack upon a shipping pallet wherein the individuals coils are vertically separated from each other by means of radially oriented spacers. An example of such a palletized coil system is disclosed within U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,619 which issued to Bleim on Jul. 7, 1992.

More particularly, as disclosed within FIG. 1, which corresponds to FIG. 1 of the aforenoted patent to Bleim, it is seen that a plurality of coils 12, having strappings 18 disposed therearound so as to secure the loose or free end portions of the strip materials, are vertically stacked upon a pallet structure 16 so as to form a stacked array 14 of the coils 12, and a plurality of radially oriented coil separators or spacers 10, angularly separated from each other by means of 90° angular positions, are interposed between the individual coils 12 so as to therefore define intervals or spaces 22 between vertically successive or adjacent ones of the coils 12. The intervals or spaces 22 not only facilitate the circulation of air around and through the stack of coils 12 so as to minimize moisture condensation, and oxidation or other deterioration of the coils 12, particularly if the material from which the coils 12 are fabricated is steel or similar ferrous materials prone to oxidation, or paper which can readily absorb moisture and thereby deteriorate, but in addition, such spaces or intervals serve to accommodate the tines 24 of a fork lift truck or similar device which is used in connection with the stacking of the coils 12 onto the pallet 16, or the removal of the stacked coils from the pallet 16. It has been known to previously fabricate the coil spacers or separators 10 from wood or paper materials, however, the fabrication of the coil spacers or separators from such materials presents long-term operational disadvantages and drawbacks. For example, both wood and compressed paper spacers are hygroscopic, which means that such materials tend to absorb moisture, and therefore, such moisture can cause oxidation or deterioration of the coil surfaces which are in contact with such spacers or separators. In addition, spacers or separators fabricated from such materials become compressible, or in other words, the structural integrity and compressive strength characteristics of the spacers or separators can eventually be compromised. Still yet further, the deterioration in the structural makeup of the spacers or separators can present environmental problems due to particulates effectively being exhausted into the ambient atmosphere as the spacers or separators decompose.

Accordingly, as further taught by means of the patent granted to Bleim, the plastic coil spacers or separators disclosed therein are preferably fabricated from materials such as, for example, polyvinylchloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene, or similar thermoplastic materials. These materials exhibit excellent compressive strength, stability, structural integrity, and are substantially non-hygroscopic. More particularly, the plastic coil separators or spacers are preferably manufactured from a suitable plastic material having a D Scale Durometer hardness of between 68 and 75, and in view of the fact that they are fabricated from a thermoplastic material, they may be subsequently melted and effectively recycled so as to again be used in connection with the fabrication of new plastic coil spacers or separators by suitable extrusion processes. It is further noted that the plastic coil spacers or separators 10 are fabricated as elongated tubular or hollow structures having substantially square or rectangular cross-sectional configurations wherein the internal hollow passageway has a configuration which is the same as that of the external periphery, except smaller, that is, the side walls of the plastic coil spacer or separator have a constant thickness dimension. As is therefore apparent, not only is the particular material, from which the plastic coil spacers or separators are fabricated, critically important to the performance of the plastic coil spacers or separators during actual use, but in addition, is also critically important with respect to the useful service life of the plastic coil spacers or separators. Still further, the amount of the material required to fabricate such plastic coil spacers or separators is also a critically important factor to be considered from a manufacturing cost-effective or economically viable point of view. Lastly, due to the relatively large amount of material incorporated within each one of the plastic coil spacers or separators, and particularly in view of the fact that each one of the side walls of the plastic coil spacer or separator has a constant thickness dimension, a considerable amount of time is required to cool the plastic coil spacer or separator extrusion, thereby limiting the production line speed.

It would therefore be desirable to fabricate a plastic coil spacer or separator which could not only effectively be fabricated with a predeterminedly reduced amount of material, but in addition, such plastic coil spacers or separators would comprise structural features or characteristics which could enable such spacers or separators to exhibit, for example, compressive strength or resistance characteristics which would be comparable to those of conventional plastic coil spacers or separators. Alternatively, it would be desirable to fabricate a plastic coil spacer or separator wherein each one of the plastic coil spacers or separators could be manufactured or fabricated from the same amount of material and extruded so as to have substantially the same square-shaped hollow or tubular configuration, wherein the side walls thereof would have the substantially arch-shaped cross-sectional configurations, whereby the compressive force resistance properties and the compressive strength properties characteristic of the plastic coil spacer or separator would be enhanced. In other words, the plastic coil spacer or separator would always have a positive strength-to-weight yield ratio.

A need therefore exists in the art for a new and imimproved coiler spacer or separator, wherein the amount of material that is required in connection with the manufacture or fabrication of such coil spacers or separators could be substantially reduced as compared to conventional coil spacers or separators, but, in addition, the coil spacers or separators would be provided with unique and novel structure which would not only serve to their coil spacing or separation function, but, in addition, could preserve the structural integrity, compressive strength, and compressive force resistance properties or characteristics so as to be comparable to those of conventional coil spacers or separators. Alternatively, or in a similar manner, a need exists in the art for a new and improved plastic coil spacer or separator wherein each one of the plastic coil spacers or separators could be manufactured or fabricated from the same amount of material and extruded so as to have substantially the same square-shaped hollow or tubular configuration, wherein the side walls thereof would have the substantially arch-shaped cross-sectional configurations, whereby the compressive force resistance properties and the compressive strength properties characteristic of the plastic coil spacer or separator would effectively be enhanced. In other words, the plastic coil spacer or separator would always have a positive strength-to-weight yield ratio.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing and other objectives are achieved in accordance with the teachings and principles of the present invention through the provision of a new and improved plastic coil spacer or separator, for use in connection with the vertical spacing or separation of a plurality of coils, which comprise coiled metal stripping, coiled paper, coiled print stock, and the like, upon a pallet structure so as to form a palletized load which will enable or facilitate forklift apparatus to access one or more of the coils. Each one of the plastic coil spacers or separators has a substantially square-shaped hollow or tubular cross-sectional configuration, and in accordance with the new and improved manufacturing or fabrication techniques comprising topology optimization, a predetermined amount of material has effectively been eliminated from each side wall of the substantially square-shaped hollow or tubular coil spacer or separator so as to effectively reduce the amount of material required to manufacture or fabricate the plastic coil spacer or separator. More particularly, each side wall of the substan-tially square-shaped hollow or tubular plastic coil spacer or separator has a substantially arch-shaped cross-sectional configuration so as to be capable of preserving the compressive strength and compressive force resistance normally characteristics of plastic coil spacers or separators. Still further, since each one of the side walls of the substantially square-shaped hollow or tubular plastic coil spacer or separator has the same substantially arch-shaped configuration incorporated therein, any one of the side walls of the substantially square-shaped hollow or tubular plastic coil spacer or separator can serve as the bottom wall member of the substantially square-shaped hollow or tubular plastic coil spacer or separator.

Alternatively, each one of the plastic coil spacers or separators may be manufactured or fabricated from the same amount of material and extruded so as to have substantially the same square-shaped hollow or tubular configuration wherein the side walls thereof have the substantially arch-shaped cross-sectional configurations whereby the compressive force resistance properties and the compressive strength properties characteristic of the plastic coil spacer or separator may be enhanced. In other words, the plastic coil spacer or separator would always have a positive strength-to-weight yield ratio. Still yet further, as a result of the implementation of the substantially arch-shaped configuration within each one of the side walls of the substantially square-shaped hollow or tubular coil spacer or separator, the nesting together of a plurality of the substantially square-shaped hollow or tubular coil spacers or separators, such as, for example, during transportation or storage, is facilitated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other features and attendant advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated from the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a palletized load system wherein a plurality of metal strip coils are disposed upon a transportation or storage pallet, and wherein further, the individual metal strip coils are vertically separated from each other by means of conventional, PRIOR ART plastic coil spacers or separators;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a new and improved plastic coil spacer or separator which has been constructed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention and which shows the operative component parts thereof, particularly the formation of the coil spacer or separator as having a substantially square-shaped cross-sectional configuration comprising four side walls, wherein each one of the four side walls has had material removed from the central region thereof so as to define each one of the four side walls with an inherently stable arch structure capable of withstand compressive loads, and wherein further, the formation of all of the side walls as being the same permits the coil spacer or separator to be used in any orientation wherein any one of the four side walls can serve as the bottom wall member;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the new and improved coil spacer or separator as disclosed within FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the new and improved coil spacer or separator as disclosed within FIGS. 2 and 3; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, similar to that of FIG. 1, showing, however, the use of the new and improved plastic coil spacers or separators interposed between successive coiled products so as to support the same in a vertically spaced mode upon a transportation or storage pallet; and

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view illustrating a plurality of the new and improved spacers or separators, as disclosed within FIGS. 2-4, which may be stacked in a nested manner so as to facilitate the transportation and storage of the same.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 2-4 thereof, a new and improved plastic coil spacer or separator, constructed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, is disclosed and is generally indicated by the reference character 110. More particularly, the new and improved plastic coil spacer or separator 110 may be fabricated, by means of a suitable extrusion process, from any one of a plurality of thermoplastic materials, such as, for example, polyvinylchloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene (PS), or the like, and may be integrally coextruded with an outer covering or wrapping which has a D Scale Durometer hardness of between 68 and 75, such materials thereby desirably exhibiting excellent compressive strength, stability, structural rigidity and integrity properties and characteristics, and are substantially non-hygroscopic. As can be further appreciated, the new and improved plastic coil spacer or separator 110 is seen to have a substantially hollow or tubular, square cross-sectional configuration comprising four side walls 112,114, 116,118. The interior side wall surfaces each have a linear extent of one inch (1.000″), the thickness of each one of the side walls 112,114,116,118 is one quarter of an inch (0.250″), and therefore the exterior side wall surfaces each have a linear extent of one and one-half inches (1.500″). It is further noted that when the new and improved plastic coil spacer or separator 110 is initially manufactured or fabricated as an extrusion, the extrusion has a substantially indefinite or indeterminate length, however, kerfs or slits 119 are formed at predetermined positions along the axial length of the extrusion wherein the kerfs or slits 119 only extend downwardly through the upper wall 114 and the two oppositely disposed side walls 112,116 so as to effectively define a serial array of coil spacers or separators 110 which remain attached to each other by means of the bottom wall 118. When it is therefore desired to use plastic coil spacers or separators 110 having predetermined length dimensions, the coil spacers or separators 110 may effectively be easily separated from each other along the kerf or slit lines 119. Accordingly, it is to be appreciated, for example, that each new and improved plastic coil separator or spacer 110 has a lineal length of, for example, six inches (6.000″).

It is noted at this juncture that the structural features, as has been previously described and which are characteristic of the new and improved plastic coil spacer or separator 110, are substantially similar to those of the coil separator disclosed within the aforenoted patent to Bleim, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, however, the additional features, characteristic of the plastic coil spacer or separator 110, and which distinguish the plastic coil spacer or separator 110 from the coil separator of Bleim so as to therefore effectively render the same new and improved, will now be described. More particularly, it is seen that each side wall 112,114,116,118 of the plastic coil spacer or separator 110 has had an exterior portion thereof effectively eliminated along a radius of 1.063 inches (1.063″) whereby an arch-shaped recess 120,122,124,126 is defined within the exterior portion of each side wall 112,114,116, 118. The depth of each arch-shaped recess 120,122,124,126 comprises one eighth of an inch (0.125″), and the lineal extent of each recess is one inch (1.000″) so as to effectively permit the four corner regions 128,130,132,134 of the new and improved plastic coil spacer or separator 110 to remain intact. In particular, it is seen that each one of the four corner regions 128,130,132,134 is respectively defined by means of a pair of intersecting exterior wall surfaces of the new and improved plastic coil spacer or separator 110 as designated at 136-138,140-142,144-146, and 148-150.

It can therefore be appreciated that in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, the new and improved plastic coil spacer or separator 110 exhibits several operational and manufacturing advantages. Firstly, it is noted that as a result of effectively eliminating the aforenoted external surface regions of each side wall 112,114,116,118 so as to form the arch-shaped recessed regions 120,122,124,126, the amount of material required to manufacture or fabricate the coil spacer or separator has effectively been reduced whereby a considerable economic savings is achieved in connection with the fabrication or manufacture of each plastic coil spacer or separator 110 as compared to the conventional, PRIOR ART plastic coil spacer 10 as disclosed within FIG. 1. In particular, the conventional, PRIOR ART plastic coil spacer or separator 10, as disclosed within FIG. 1, comprises, for example, an end surface area of approximately 1.250 in², whereas in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, the end surface area of the new and improved plastic coil spacer or separator 110 is approximately 0.9125 in². Accordingly, this represents a material reduction of approximately twenty-five percent (25%).

In addition, and secondly, as a result of each side wall of the substantially square-shaped hollow or tubular coil spacer or separator 110 having the substantially arch-shaped configuration, the compressive strength and compressive force resistance characteristics of the new and improved plastic coil spacer or separator 110 are able to be preserved. In particular, when, for example, the side wall 118 is disposed at the bottom position as illustrated within FIG. 3, the arch-shaped structure comprising, in effect, the bottom wall 118, will be able to withstand the downward compressive weight or load forces in accordance with well-known load distribution principles characteristic of arch-shaped structures. Still further, and thirdly, since each one of the side walls 112,114,116,118 of the substantially square-shaped hollow or tubular coil spacer or separator 110 has the same substantially arch-shaped configuration incorporated therein, any one of the side walls 112,114,116,118 of the substantially square-shaped hollow or tubular coil spacer or separator 110 can serve as the bottom wall member. Accordingly, the new and improved plastic coil spacer or separator 110 of the present invention is effectively rendered hermaphroditic, that is, it can be utilized in any one of its four orientations without specific attention being required in order to ensure that the plastic coil spacer or separator 110 is in fact properly oriented. As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of the new and improved plastic coil spacers or separators 110 are disposed within a radial array and are interposed between successive coiled products 160 disposed upon a pallet structure 162.

Fourthly, and with reference being made to FIG. 6, it is to be appreciated that as a result of the unique and novel structure characteristic of the new and improved plastic coil spacer or separator 110, a plurality of the plastic coil spacers or separators 110 may be compactly and securely stacked in a nested mode for transportation and storage purposes. More particularly, as can readily be appreciated from FIG. 6, three plastic coil spacers or separators 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 are disclosed, and as a result of the implementation of the substantially arch-shaped configuration within each one of the side walls of the substantially square-shaped hollow or tubular plastic coil spacers or separators 110-1,110-2,110-3, the nesting together of the plurality of substantially square-shaped hollow or tubular plastic coil spacers or separators 110-1,110-2,110-3 is facilitated.

For example, when the plastic coil spacers or separators 110-1 and 110-2 are disposed within a bottom row of a stacked array of the coil spacers or separators 110, and subsequently, the plastic coil spacers or separators 110-1 and 110-2 are moved toward each other in the direction of the arrow T such that the upper and lower corner surface portions 142-1,144-1 of the plastic coil spacer or separator 110-1 are respectively disposed in contact with the upper and lower corner surface portions 136-2,150-2 of the plastic coil spacer or separator 110-2, then the third plastic coil spacer or separator 110-3 can be disposed atop the first two plastic coil spacers or separators 110-1,110-2 in a stable manner due to the fact that the bottom surface portions 148-3,146-3 will effectively and respectively be seated within the upper recessed portions 122-1,122-2 of the first and second plastic coil spacers or separators 110-1,110-2. The third plastic coil spacer or separator 110-3 will be disposed within a second row disposed above the first row within which the first and second plastic coil spacers or separators 110-1,110-2 are disposed, and the stacking pattern can of course be repeated as necessary so as to not only increase the lateral size of the bottom or lowermost row within which the first and second plastic coil spacers or separators 110-1,110-2 are disposed, but in addition, to increase the size of the second row within which the third plastic coil spacer or separator 110-3 is disposed, as well as to effectively add additional rows of the plastic coil spacers or separators 110 atop the second row of plastic coil spacers or separators 110.

Thus, it may be seen that in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, there has been disclosed a new and improved plastic coil spacer or separator for use in connection with the vertical spacing or separation of a plurality of coils, comprising coiled metal stripping, coiled paper, coil print stock, or the like, upon a pallet structure so as to form a palletized load which will enable or facilitate forklift apparatus to access one or more of the coils. Each one of the plastic coil spacers or separators has a substantially square-shaped hollow or tubular cross-sectional configuration, and in accordance with the new and improved manufacturing or fabrication techniques comprising topology optimization, a predetermined amount of material is able to be eliminated from each side wall of the substantially square-shaped hollow or tubular plastic coil separator or spacer so as to effectively reduce the amount of material required to manufacture or fabricate the plastic coil spacer or separator, and wherein still further, each side wall of the substantially square-shaped hollow or tubular plastic coil spacer or separator has a substantially arch-shaped cross-sectional configuration so as to be capable of preserving the compressive strength and compressive force resistance properties characteristic of the plastic coil spacer or separator. Alternatively, each one of the plastic coil spacers or separators may be manufactured or fabricated from the same amount of material and extruded so as to have substantially the same square-shaped hollow or tubular configuration wherein the side walls thereof have the substantially arch-shaped cross-sectional configurations whereby the compressive force resistance properties and the compressive strength properties characteristic of the plastic coil spacer or separator may be enhanced. In other words, the plastic coil spacer or separator would always have a positive strength-to-weight yield ratio.

Obviously, many variations and modifications of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, in lieu of the structural component described above being limited in use to a coil spacer or separator, the structural component can be utilized within other environments wherein a structural beam member might be required. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. 

1. A spacer member, comprising: an elongate tubular bar member comprising two pairs of oppositely disposed side wall members defining an axially oriented through-passageway therebetween; wherein at least one of said side wall members will have recessed means defined within the exterior surface portion thereof such that said at least one of said side wall members has a substantially arch-shaped configuration which permits said at least one of said side wall members to exhibit compressive strength resistance characteristics in order to withstand compressive loads.
 2. The spacer member as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said at least one of said side wall members comprises all four of said two pairs of oppositely disposed side wall members; and said recessed means is defined within the exterior surface portion of each one of said four of said two pairs of oppositely disposed side wall members.
 3. The spacer member as set forth in claim 2, wherein: said tubular bar member has a substantially square-shaped cross-sectional configuration; and wherein said tubular bar member comprises a hermaphroditic structure whereby any one of said four side wall members can serve as a compressive strength resistance member without regard to the particular angular orientation of said tubular bar member around its longitudinal axis.
 4. The spacer member as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said tubular bar member comprises a structure extruded from a thermoplastic material selected from the group comprising polyvinylchloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polystyrene (PS) whereby said tubular bar member is substantially non-hygroscopic.
 5. The spacer member as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said recessed means defined within said exterior surface portion of said at least one of said side wall members enables the amount and cost of material, required to fabricate said at least one of said side wall members, to be reduced while said at least one of said side wall members will nevertheless be able to exhibit compressive strength resistance properties which are comparable to wall members not having said recessed means defined therein.
 6. The spacer member as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said recessed means defined within said exterior surface portion of said at least one of said side wall members enables the amount and cost of material, required to fabricate said at least one of said side wall members, to be preserved while said at least one of said side wall members will exhibit compressive strength resistance properties which will be enhanced to levels beyond those characteristic of wall members not having said recessed means defined therein.
 7. The spacer member as set forth in claim 2, wherein: said arch-shaped recessed means defined within the exterior surface portion of each one of said four of said two pairs of oppositely disposed side wall members permits a plurality of spacer members to be nested and stacked with respect to each other as a result of opposite corner leg regions of one of said plurality of spacer members being disposed within said arch-shaped recessed means defined within two other adjacent spacer members.
 8. A coil spacer member for spacing coil stock, comprising: an elongate tubular bar member comprising two pairs of oppositely disposed side wall members defining an axially oriented through-passageway therebetween; wherein at least one of said side wall members will have recessed means defined within the exterior surface portion thereof such that said at least one of said side wall members has a substantially arch-shaped configuration which permits said at least one of said side wall members to exhibit compressive strength resistance characteristics in order to withstand compressive loads.
 9. The coil spacer member as set forth in claim 8, wherein: said at least one of said side wall members comprises all four of said two pairs of oppositely disposed side wall members; and said recessed means is defined within the exterior surface portion of each one of said four of said two pairs of oppositely disposed side wall members.
 10. The coil spacer member as set forth in claim 9, wherein: said tubular bar member has a substantially square-shaped cross-sectional configuration; and wherein said tubular bar member comprises a hermaphroditic structure whereby any one of said four side wall members can serve as a compressive strength resistance member without regard to the particular angular orientation of said tubular bar member around its longitudinal axis.
 11. The coil spacer member as set forth in claim 8, wherein: said tubular bar member comprises a structure extruded from a thermoplastic material selected from the group comprising polyvinylchloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polystyrene (PS) whereby said tubular bar member is substantially non-hygroscopic.
 12. The coil spacer member as set forth in claim 8, wherein: said recessed means defined within said exterior surface portion of said at least one of said side wall members enables the amount and cost of material, required to fabricate said at least one of said side wall members, to be reduced while said at least one of said side wall members will nevertheless be able to exhibit compressive strength resistance properties which are comparable to wall members not having said recessed means defined therein.
 13. The coil spacer member as set forth in claim 8, wherein: said recessed means defined within said exterior surface portion of said at least one of said side wall members enables the amount and cost of material, required to fabricate said at least one of said side wall members, to be preserved while said at least one of said side wall members will exhibit compressive strength resistance properties which will be enhanced to levels beyond those characteristic of wall members not having said recessed means defined therein.
 14. The coil spacer member as set forth in claim 9, wherein: said arch-shaped recessed means defined within the exterior surface portion of each one of said four of said two pairs of oppositely disposed side wall members permits a plurality of coil spacer members to be nested and stacked with respect to each other as a result of opposite corner leg regions of one of said plurality of coil spacer members being disposed within said arch-shaped recessed means defined within two other adjacent coil spacer members.
 15. A structural beam member, comprising: an elongate tubular bar member comprising two pairs of oppositely disposed side wall members defining an axially oriented through-passageway therebetween; wherein at least one of said side wall members will have recessed means defined within the exterior surface portion thereof such that said at least one of said side wall members has a substantially arch-shaped configuration which permits said at least one of said side wall members to exhibit compressive strength resistance characteristics in order to withstand compressive loads.
 16. The structural beam member as set forth in claim 15, wherein: said at least one of said side wall members comprises all four of said two pairs of oppositely disposed side wall members; and said recessed means is defined within the exterior surface portion of each one of said four of said two pairs of oppositely disposed side wall members.
 17. The structural beam member as set forth in claim 16, wherein: said tubular bar member has a substantially square-shaped cross-sectional configuration; and wherein said tubular bar member comprises a hermaphroditic structure whereby any one of said four side wall members can serve as a compressive strength resistance member without regard to the particular angular orientation of said tubular bar member around its longitudinal axis.
 18. The structural beam member as set forth in claim 15, wherein: said recessed means defined within said exterior surface portion of said at least one of said side wall members enables the amount and cost of material, required to fabricate said at least one of said side wall members, to be reduced while said at least one of said side wall members will nevertheless be able to exhibit compressive strength resistance properties which are comparable to wall members not having said recessed means defined therein.
 19. The structural beam member as set forth in claim 15, wherein: said recessed means defined within said exterior surface portion of said at least one of said side wall members enables the amount and cost of material, required to fabricate said at least one of said side wall members, to be preserved while said at least one of said side wall members will exhibit compressive strength resistance properties which will be enhanced to levels beyond those characteristic of wall members not having said recessed means defined therein.
 20. The structural beam member as set forth in claim 16, wherein: said arch-shaped recessed means defined within the exterior surface portion of each one of said four of said two pairs of oppositely disposed side wall members permits a plurality of spacer members to be nested and stacked with respect to each other as a result of opposite corner leg regions of one of said plurality of spacer members being disposed within said arch-shaped recessed means defined within two other adjacent spacer members. 